Millions of people are planning to attend fireworks displays celebrating Guy
Fawkes Night. But given the environmental damage they cause, should
fireworks be banned by the government?

Fireworks produce brilliant coloured displays, but they also create a shower of toxic chemicals.

Aluminium produces the bright white colours, while antimony sulphide produces the glittering shimmers. The bright blues are created by copper compounds, while the green colours are produced by barium nitrate. The red colours are manufactured using strontium.

Scientists have linked a number of these with health disorders.

When people living near Disneyland – famed for its nightly fireworks spectaculars – begun complaining about breathing problems, scientists in New Mexico found a way of replacing the chemical accelerants with compressed air. But this is too expensive to be commercially viable.

Opponents claim the displays also cause considerable disruption to wildlife and household pets.

In addition to the environmental problems, the health and safety risks – or at least the bureaucracy associated with them – have caused many organisers to cancel their traditional celebrations.

The Royal College of Optometrists claims that 10 people a year lose their sight through fireworks, and in 2005 (the last year in which statistics were recorded) the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found that almost 1,000 people were injured by fireworks.

What do you think? Should fireworks be banned or is it important that we are allowed to celebrate bonfire night in traditional fashion?